Simmons stands tall amid Heat's 'dirty' tactics

Ben Simmons was upended in a scary foul and was even slapped upside the head, but kept his composure to lead the 76ers to a series win over the Heat.

Philadelphia prevailed 104-91 in Tuesday’s Game 5, taking the series 4-1.

Miami clearly tried to get under Simmons’ skin and unnerve the Aussie, but the rookie showed incredible composure and maturity.

Simmons scored 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists on Tuesday after being targeted in two questionable incidents.

Simmons starred again. Image: Getty

Less than two minutes into the first quarter Simmons landed heavily on his back after being upended by Josh Richardson.

I could be wrong but what Josh Richardson just did to Ben Simmons – submarining him into a complete flip that sent him crashing down on his tailbone/back – did not look like “an accident.” Heat playoff physicality? Ben bounced up. Seems OK. But very dangerous “accident.”

Then late in the match, tensions threatened to erupt when Simmons was slapped in the head by Goran Dragic.

Dragic was chasing back after a turnover and fouled Simmons before hitting him in the back of the head, earning a technical foul in the process.

Fans took to social media to commend the way Simmons handled himself amidst the questionable tactics.

Another example of Ben Simmons' preternatural poise: gets smacked upside the head, adrenaline flowing, takes an angry drive to get to the rim against James Johnson, but instead of forcing a shot, he kicks it out to Covington for the open corner three.